The Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC), Dr. Laurel Harry, visited campus on March 22.
Harry presented on the topic of women in leadership during a two-hour lunch-and-learn event in Schwab Hall. The event was hosted by the Communications and Criminal Justice Department.
“Laurel brought a wealth of knowledge about the correctional system,” said Mark Buckwalter, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice. “She is an incredible leader.”
During her presentation, Harry described her own journey to success in a male-dominated field.
“Laurel stressed that she did this by being ready for opportunities and saying ‘yes’ when opportunities presented themselves,” said Kelly Rhodes, Chair of the Communications and Criminal Justice Department.
“Even when she had doubts or apprehensions, she took advantage of the opportunities that came her way.”
Harry’s presentation emphasized the importance of staying true to yourself, both in your successes and your setbacks.
Harry was named Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) by Gov. Josh Shapiro in January of 2023 and was unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate last June.
Before becoming Secretary of Corrections, Harry worked in the DOC for 25 years. She began her career in 1999 as a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist at the State Correctional Institute in Waynesburg.
In addition to serving at six state correctional institutions across Pennsylvania, Harry was a member of the Western Region Hostage Negotiation Team for six years.
She was named the 2019 Warden-of-the-Year by the Pennsylvania Prison Wardens Association.
Harry earned a doctoral degree in Criminal Justice from California University of Pennsylvania and holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from West Virginia University.
